Efficient Production of Isoflavonoids by Astragalus membranaceus Hairy Root Cultures and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activities of Extracts

In this study, Astragalus membranaceus hairy root cultures (AMHRCs) were established as an attractive alternative source for the efficient production of isoflavonoids (IF). A. membranaceus hairy root line II was screened as the most efficient line and was confirmed by PCR amplification of rolB, rolC and aux1 genes. Culture parameters of AMHRCs were systematically optimized, and five main IF constituents were quali-quantitatively determined by LC-MS/MS. Under optimal conditions, the total IF accumulation of 34 day old AMHRCs was 234.77 μg/g dry weight (DW). This yield was significantly higher compared to that of 3 year old field grown roots (187.38 μg/g DW). Additionally, in vitro antioxidan…